Jan 08, 2015 03:01 AM
107455 Views
(Updated Jan 19, 2016 12:29 AM)
Writing this review after having completed 3, 500 kms on my Hero Passion X Pro. I have been using it from November 2014. I chose this bike over the Honda Shine, Dream Yuga Neo and Bajaj Discover.
Waiting period was 2 weeks and purchase price was 65, 550/- INR on road, Mumbai from Fortpoint Automotive - purchase experience was just average. Ishna Motors, Andheri did not stock this bike or have one for display. Apparently, they do not wish to sell any bikes as they were least interested to show and have attitude problems. Ice berg in Malad also did not have a display bike but staff was courteous and supportive otherwise I do recommend this place.
My daily commute is approximately 50 kms a day to and fro.
Features- provided are standard across the segment such as digital display for fuel, trip meter and odometer with service due reminder. This looks good.
Front Disc brakes and tubeless tyres from TVS company are provided which have good grip and stability on even bad roads such as uneven edges and surfaces or small potholes/ craters.
The disc provides better braking ability than standard drum braked bikes and also helps in panic situations such as on the highway but could have been better as sometimes it makes a slight grinding noise.
Ride quality - I have upgraded from a Splendor which I sold because of my persistent back pain that I experienced on it and the X Pro has never failed me. It has got acceptable ride quality. I have completed Mumbai - Pune and back trips twice without hurting my back at all.
Seat height is also acceptable for most average height Indians. The bike looks similar to the Hero Passion but actually shares none of the parts with it. Looks are neat and a little more upmarket than the current crop of bikes in the 100 - 110 cc segment.
The bike at 116 kgs is light weight which makes it easy to move in city traffic and free stretches of highway.
Engine - The engine is borrowed from the Honda Twister and is smooth and refined but only upto 60 kph. In my opinion, 100 - 110 cc bikes must not be revved beyond 65 - 70 kph unless overtaking as they are more mileage oriented than performance and might damage the engine in the long run. As expected the bike looses its smooth sound beyond 60 kph and sounds harsh and coarse. It simply fails to go above 60 kph unless really pushed hard. It might be having a speed limiter.
Fuel Economy - My average speed is between 50 and 60 and hence I get a very good mileage range of 65 - 70 kpl since the beginning. Drops to 60 in heavy traffic conditions. The bike if ridden within the limit actually gives decent mileage.
Services - Have completed 2 services so far and the experience has been below satisfactory. Washing is a joke! They hand over the bike dirty and oily and do unnecessary tuning and tamper with the original factory settings to the engine which causes more damage than any good. So you have to be specific in what all you want.
The company recommended 10W30 oil also doesn't bring the best performance or reduction in engine sound on the bike.
Nothing much can be said as the technicians are under lots of time constraint and hurry.
The bike is an excellent city commuter with occasional highway runs. Avoid riding above 60 and it will treat you well. Don't expect this to be any racy or sporty bike as it would feel underpowered as some would feel.
For a regular office commuting guy this is a good bike but other bikes in the competition are at least 5000/- 8000/- INR cheaper and are equally capable. I chose this over the Honda bikes solely for its better looks.
Pros
Refined engine and build quality
Good ride and handling
Tubeless tyres and discs
Good Mileage - 60 - 70 kpl
5 years warranty from manufacturer
Cons
Poor paint finish on tank
Disappointing after sales
Price is higher compared to competition - close to 125 cc bikes.
Does not go beyond 60 kph easily and sounds strained
5th gear could have been provided as Discover has one
10W30 engine oil does more harm than good to the engine. 20w40 is better.(But it might void warranty)
Update post 1 year of usage - 19.01.2016
In my 14 months of usage so far, I have clocked about 21, 500 kms. And my journey has been trouble free and reliable with the Passion X Pro.
Ride Quality - As far the comfort and ride quality goes - it is very comfortable which justifies why I have used the bike so much within a year. No nasty back pains or body aches even at a 60 km continuous stretch.
Engine Oil - I have stuck to the manufacture recommended service schedules with an interval of 3000 kms and 10w30 grade engine oil. I have not experimented with any other oil as 20w40 is thicker and as far as I know is approved for the older crop of Hero Honda range.
Must be good but I stick to the thinner 10w30 only.
FE - so far my bike has been giving a consistent 63 - 66 kpl fuel efficiency with a mixed highway and city use.
Tyre Life - TVS tyres have been very reliable for all of the 21, 000+ kms. They provide good grip and haven't faced any nasty slips or falls.
Faced one puncture in the rear tyre at 15, 000 kms.
Battery and Electricals - Trouble free! Still strong.
Do your bit to maintain the bike and it will serve you well in the long run. My bike still looks decent if not battered. Have attached pics of the same
Do I recommend this product - Yes a big yes!
